US Youth Soccer ODP a common thread among Soccer America’s Women’s and Men’s Preseason All-Americans

Soccer America recently named their 2010 NCAA Women's and Men's Preseason All-American teams. Of the 25 female players selected, 24 participated in the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (US Youth Soccer ODP). The one player named who did not participate in US Youth Soccer ODP was raised in Canada. On the men's side, 25 players were named to the preseason list, 21 of which were members of US Youth Soccer ODP (Three of the players named to the list grew up outside of the United States).

For many players, one goal of participating in elite programs is further exposure to collegiate coaches and therefore access to a college education which for a select group will include financial resources to further a university education through success in soccer.

US Youth Soccer ODP, National Championship Series and the National League each offer meaningful matches for youth players to test themselves and to display their abilities in unique opportunities before college coaches seeking to identify prospective student-athletes. US Youth Soccer events provide coaches at the next level, specifically collegiate and national staff, with a premier stage to evaluate and recruit future roster selections.

In 2010, each of the four Regional championship events of the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series, attracted over 200 coaches including representatives from the top 25 men's and women's programs based on the final 2009 NSCAA/adidas National Rankings for NCAA Division I schools. The same can be said for US Youth Soccer ODP and National League competitions where coaches know the players are engaged in meaningful matches and the level of play is at its highest.

For those players that have been named to Soccer America's Preseason All-American teams and to all of those players who are accomplishing their dreams as collegiate players – congratulations.

To learn more about US Youth Soccer and the programs offer for players ages Under-5 through Under-19, visit www.USYouthSoccer.org.

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